JAMIE McCOMBE is back at Huddersfield Town – and in the running to face Wycombe on Friday.

But boss Lee Clark, desperate to eradicate the defensive problems which have cost his side victory in their last two matches, has quashed reports of a move for Leicester’s Republic of Ireland international centre-back Sean St Ledger.

McCombe has made seven appearances on loan to League I rivals Preston, where St Ledger played before joining Leicester last close-season.

St Ledger, 27, has been unable to command a regular place at the Championship club has been told he can move elsewhere in a bid to play the regular football he believes is vital to bolster his chances of playing at this year’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

A number of clubs are claimed to have enquired but Clark, who went into the transfer window saying he had two specific targets, said: “It’s not a name we have discussed.”

McCombe will come into the mix for the Sky-televised game at Wycombe, where Town would climb from fifth to third by winning.

The 28-year-old former Bristol City player has figured only once since his sending off at home to Leyton Orient in September – in the FA Cup first-round defeat at Swindon – but impressed during his stint at Preston, where he built a solid partnership with Wales international Craig Morgan.

Clark has been critical of his side’s defending in the wake of the 1-1 home draw with Carlisle on Friday and 2-2 stalemate at Notts County on Monday.

Town, who have also quashed suggestions of moves for former striker Jon Stead, now at Bristol City, and QPR frontman Rob Hulse but continue to be linked with Fleetwood striker Jamie Vardy, held a two-goal lead in the latter game.

And the manager, who is considering a change in tactical system, said: “We have to learn from the mistakes we are making, because we have to stop drawing games and start winning them.”